Tom Nguyen

9.2

Great zin blend I first had at House of Prime Rib in SF. Spicy, aromatic and rich paired really well with roast lamb. — 10 days ago

Conrad Green

9.6

A plush, meaty open nose. Dark plum and underbrush. Some iodine and a serious, brooding midpalate. Great balance and poise, and settled. Fantastic — 12 days ago

with Paul and Ara

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

From 375ml. @Lira Restaurant The Chef is the Gordon Ramsey winner.

Resolved, velvety M+ tannins. Ruby fruits of; blackberry pie, black raspberries, blueberries, both plums, dark cherries & raspberries. Dark chocolate bar, slightly moist tobacco, sandalwood to barrel shavings, dry top soil, dry crushed rocks, black licorice, sweet tarriness, dry herbs, light cinnamon, clove, vanillin, mocha, dry, volcanic clay, dark, withering flowers, some lavender framed in violets, excellent round acidity with incredible, balance, perfectly tensioned, softly structured, elegance finish that lasts a full minute. — 12 days ago

Chris MacLean

9.0

Solid everyday zin — 25 days ago

with Sarah

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Better on Day 2. The 2023 Zinfandel pours a ruby/purple color with a magenta rim; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of ripe and tart black, red and some blue fruits: black berries, black cherries, raspberries, fig, green herbs, a touch of rubber pool toy, black pepper, dry earth and some gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. From my experience, this is the most youthful expression of Rafanelli Zinfandel I can recall. Good, but to my palate this will probably be better after 2028. — a day ago

Steve Goore

9.2

Dark fruits, oak, and herbs combine in this zin forward red blend. Great upon opening and excellent day 2. Not familiar with Mataro (only 5%) but blended to perfection. — 23 days ago

Tom Garland

9.5

1.5 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A remarkable purplish magenta color. On the nose: very aeromatic notes of black & red berries, truffles, loamy soil, worn leather, tobacco leaf, floral, herbaceous. Taste: soft, elegant, balanced, layered mouthfeel wine with blackberry, dark plum, leather, crushed granite, dried herbs, and a spiced cedar long finish with some dusty tannins. YUM! At the start of its drinking window with 20-30 years to go, so no rush. — 19 days ago

with Brenda

Conrad Green

9.3

Calm and precise. Soft plummy fruit with some contained and polished fruit. Very good. — 12 days ago

with Paul and Ara

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, savory oak and floral notes. On the palate blackberry and cherry currant flavors with hints of cedar and leather, adding some herb notes. Fine dusty tannins, good acidity, well balanced, ending with fruit and earthy mineral notes. Nice! Grab a filet! — 10 days ago

Jonathan Wall

9.2

Pretty.
Glassy Cherry leather stone.
Too pretty. Could use some more personality as it matures. Half bottle. — 23 days ago